Woman Out of Wheelchair Is Ignored By Passers By

DEAR ABBY: When my husband came home from work this evening, he told me a horrifying story. He said that he and some of his co-workers were out on a job, and from their truck they witnessed a woman in a wheelchair topple. They waited for the stoplight to turn green and immediately made their way to her side as quickly as they could.

What was upsetting was that nearly 20 pedestrians walked right by without offering to help her. Abby, they didn't even look twice! The woman was extremely embarrassed to have been on the ground so long and was overjoyed when my husband and his co-workers helped her.

I cannot believe that no one stopped to help. What is happening to this world? -- HORRIFIED IN DOVER, DEL.

DEAR HORRIFIED: There are still many caring and compassionate people in this world. As to what happened on that street in Dover that day, I will leave it up to the good citizens of that city to consider. Perhaps everyone who passed thought the person walking behind them would take the time to help. Of course, that's no excuse. How sad -- not only for the woman with the disability but also for those who walked by.

DEAR ABBY: My brother, "Dustin," has finally decided to marry his live-in girlfriend of four years, "Cameron." They are now planning their wedding, which will take place in four months.

My mother has just informed me that Dustin and Cameron have decided that their wedding will be "adults only" except for Dustin's son. (The boy is 8.) Abby, my brother didn't even have the courage to call me up and inform me of this.

I feel that since it will be an informal, small family event -- fewer than 20 people -- my two children should be allowed to attend. (They are 8 and 3.) Am I being unreasonable? I feel if there is a "no kids" rule, then there should be no kids -- period.

My husband has refused to attend unless our children are included. Should I go alone or not attend? -- FURIOUS IN VANCOUVER, WASH.

DEAR FURIOUS: The problem with getting messages via "Mother Central" is that they can be incomplete or garbled. Pick up the phone, call your brother and ask him about this. It is possible that your nephew is not going to be a "guest" at the wedding, but rather a member of the wedding party. Whatever answer you are given, respect it. Your husband can do as he wishes, but do not boycott the wedding to punish your brother. You could regret it later.

DEAR ABBY: There is a boy I am dating, and I really like him. But I'm scared to kiss him. I'm a person who acts like she knows everything, but the truth is I don't really know how to kiss. Now, I know this sounds weird, but I'm only 12.

I wrote to you 'cause I need to trust someone, and I hope that person is you. Just so you know, so far you are the only 1 I can trust 4 now or 4-ever. Please answer soon! -- "TINA" IN TUCSON

DEAR "TINA": Thank U 4 the compliment. Please try not to obsess about not knowing how to kiss. I promise it will happen naturally, when the time is right. The boy you are dating is probably wondering how to kiss you, so hold off and let him make the first move. Then close your eyes, purse your lips and keep both feet on the ground.